A DIY Guide to Adjusting Rain Bird Sprinklers

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Easily change the spray pattern of Rain Bird rotors and spray nozzles
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Rain Bird sprinklers can be adjusted in several different ways to control their spray pattern and distance. We have everything you need to know, including adjusting the rotation and how far the water sprays on rotor sprinklers (sprinklers that rotate back and forth) and adjusting non-rotor sprinklers (sprinkler nozzles that don’t move). We also have helpful tips for changing the nozzles on both rotor and non-rotor models.

Adjusting Rain Bird Sprinklers: Overview

Landscaping specialist Gus Briones says to widen the rotation of a Rain Bird sprinkler, insert a rotor tool into the arc adjustment slot (marked with + and -). Turn the tool clockwise to widen the spray or counterclockwise to decrease it. Use the radius adjustment slot to adjust the distance of the spray.

Section 1 of 5:

Adjusting the Rotation on a Rain Bird Rotor Sprinkler

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  1. Turn off the water and rotate the turret cap (the piece on the very top of the sprinkler head) all the way to the right, then turn it all the way to the left. Note where the arrow is pointing. This is where the rotation will start. If you need to make adjustments to the left stop, use one of the 3 following methods. [1]
    • Rotate the turret cap left if you have an adjustable left stop (newer 3500 models). You can keep turning the turret cap to move the left stop. You’ll hear or feel a soft click—if you hear a loud clicking or ratcheting noise, stop turning to avoid damaging the gears. You’ll need to rotate the case or remove the housing to move the left stop to the right.
    • Rotate the rotor case if it will move. Use channel grips to grab the case or the base of the rotor that’s sitting on the ground. Rotate the entire case until the arrow points where you want the water spray to start. If it doesn’t rotate or you feel the housing starting to unscrew, adjust the left stop by removing the housing instead.
    • Remove the housing if you don’t have an adjustable left stop and can’t rotate the case. Turn the turret cap all the way to the left stop, then twist the cap on the rotor housing counterclockwise to unscrew it. Pull the rotor assembly out of the housing, then realign it so the left stop arrow is pointing where you want the rotation to start. Screw the cap back on and test the spray.
  2. Insert your Rain Bird adjustment tool or screwdriver into the arc adjustment slot on top of the turret cap. Turn the screwdriver clockwise (toward the +) to move the right stop further to the right, and turn it counterclockwise (toward the -) to move the right stop to the left. [2]
    • The arc adjustment slot is usually on the opposite side of the cap from the nozzle screw, and on most models, is marked with a + and - symbol.
    • Most Rain Bird rotor sprinklers can be adjusted to cover 40° to 360°. Each full rotation of your screwdriver will add or subtract 90° from the rotation. If you hear a loud clicking or ratcheting noise, you’ve reached the minimum or maximum arc—stop turning the screwdriver to avoid damaging the rotor.
    • You can have the water on or off when you adjust the spray distance. That said, it may be easier with the water on, so you can see how your adjustments affect the spray.
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  3. 3
    Or, push down and turn the turret on T-22, T-30, and T-40 models. On these sprinklers, the spray rotation is preset to 180°. Turn on the sprinkler, then slide down the vandal collar on the base of the riser (the area just under the nozzle). Use the following tips to adjust the rotation, always turning the turret in the direction the sprinkler is moving. Slide the vandal collar back into place when you’re finished. [3]
    • To widen the rotation: Wait until the sprinkler is rotating left, then use your hand to turn it all the way to the left stop. Push down on the top of the turret and rotate it clockwise.
    • To decrease the rotation: Wait until the sprinkler is rotating right, then turn the rotor all the way to the right stop. Push down on the top of the turret and rotate it clockwise.
  4. 4
    Test the spray and adjust as needed to finish. Turn the water on if it isn’t already, and let the sprinkler naturally move through its entire range of motion. Check that the spray starts and ends exactly where you want it, and make any adjustments if you need to.
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Section 2 of 5:

Adjusting the Spray Distance on a Rain Bird Rotor Sprinkler

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  1. Turn the distance adjustment screw to change the spray distance. Insert a Rain Bird adjustment tool into the distance adjustment slot (sometimes called the radius adjustment slot). This is located just above the nozzle. Rotate the tool or screwdriver clockwise to decrease the spray distance, or turn it counterclockwise to increase the spray distance. [4]
Section 3 of 5:

Adjusting a Non-Rotor Spray Nozzle

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  1. If you have a non-rotary Rain Bird spray nozzle with an adjustable head (the 18/15/12 AP series), twist the collar with your fingers to adjust the arc angle. To widen the arc angle, rotate the collar to the left. To decrease it, rotate the collar to the right. [5]
    • It’s helpful to adjust the spray pattern while the sprinkler is on so you can determine how much of an increase or decrease you want.
    • Adjusting the spray pattern is useful if you want to water a certain area of your lawn or spray only to a certain point in your yard.
    • If you have a fixed sprinkler head, you’ll need to swap out the nozzle to change the arc.
  2. Take a flat-bladed screwdriver and place it on the center screw on the top of the nozzle head. Turn the screw clockwise to decrease the spray distance, or turn it counterclockwise to increase the spray distance. [6]
    • Avoid adjusting the spray by more than about 25%. If you need to adjust it more than that, you may need to replace the nozzle with one that’s the right size.
    • You can have the water on or off when you adjust the spray distance, though it may be easier with the water off.
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Section 4 of 5:

Changing the Nozzle on a Rain Bird Rotor Sprinkler

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  1. 1
    Use the Rain Bird adjustment tool to pull the stem out of the case. Slide the adjustment tool into the pull-up slot—it will usually be halfway between the arc adjustment and distance adjustment slots. Turn the tool 90°, then pull up to lift the rotor and stem. [7]
    • You’ll need the adjustment tool that came with your sprinkler for this—you can’t use a screwdriver. However, the rotor tool is universal, so if you don’t have it anymore, it’s easy to find a replacement.
    • Be sure to turn off the water pressure to the sprinkler before you do this.
  2. 2
    Loosen the nozzle screw until the nozzle comes free. Place your adjustment tool or a flathead screwdriver into the distance adjustment slot. Turn the screw counterclockwise to loosen it. Once it’s loose enough, use the tool or screwdriver to pop the old nozzle out of the turret housing. [8]
    • If you’re removing the factory nozzle, this might be a little tough at first, but it should come free with a little prying. You may need to use needle-nose pliers to remove it.
  3. 3
    Pop in the new nozzle and tighten the screw. Slide the new nozzle into the turret casing right where the old one sat. Then, tighten the screw by turning it clockwise until the nozzle is seated firmly in place. [9]
    • Test your spray pattern and make any adjustments as needed.
    • Briones says, “Rain Bird offers a ton of different nozzles that you can use to adjust the distance and arc of your spray. That’s one reason they’re so popular.” [10]
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Section 5 of 5:

Changing the Nozzle on a Non-Rotor Rain Bird Sprinkler

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  1. 1
    Use a screwdriver to pry the old nozzle out of the sprayer. Slide the edge of a flathead screwdriver under the edge of the nozzle. Lift it up and use your fingers to hold the stem in place. Then, unscrew the old nozzle and pull it out of the stem. [11]
    • Do not grab the stem of the sprinkler with pliers—you could damage it.
  2. Look into the sprinkler head—you should see a small filter screen. Use your fingers or small pliers to carefully remove it. Rinse off any dirt and debris with water. You can reuse it if it isn’t damaged. [12]
    • If the filter screen is old or in rough shape, replace it with a new one.
  3. 3
    Put the new nozzle on. Slide the new nozzle into the stem and screw it into place. Don’t overtighten it, or you could strip out the threads. Adjust the spray pattern if needed. [13]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I fix a broken pipe in my water sprinkler system?
    Gus Briones
    Landscaping Specialist
    Gus Briones is a Landscaping Specialist based in Lake Elsinore, California. Gus has over 25 years of industry experience working on renovations and new builds for clients. He specializes in landscaping, landscape maintenance, and landscape construction.
    Gus Briones
    Landscaping Specialist
    Expert Answer
    I assume that your irrigation system is broken and the PVC pipe is leaking. If it's underground, you need space to dig underground where the pipe is broken. You're going to want to get some sharp PVC cutters, and you're going to want to cut where the broken pipe is. And if you go to your home goods store or your local DIY store, what you could do is get yourself the right size couplings and maybe the right size pipe to build or fix that section. You're also going to want to get some PVC glue and some PVC primer. You cut out the section that's broken, and since you've already dug up along the pipe, you'll be able to lift your PVC pipe. Get your new pipe, add some PVC glue, and put the couplings on your pipe. Then just do the exact same thing to the opposite side, where you're going to be actually connecting your new water pipe to the old water pipe. Lastly, you just have to wait for around 30 minutes and allow the glue to cure. Open your water back on and check for leaks before covering up your dug trench. Then you should be good to go!
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about home care, check out our in-depth interview with Gus Briones .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.rainbird.com/sites/default/files/media/documents/2018-02/man_tbird.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.rainbird.com/sites/default/files/media/documents/2017-06/man_42SAplus.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.rainbird.com/sites/default/files/media/documents/2018-02/man_tbird.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.rainbird.com/sites/default/files/media/documents/2017-06/man_42SAplus.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.rainbird.com/sites/default/files/media/documents/2017-06/man_sprayheads.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.rainbird.com/sites/default/files/media/documents/2017-06/man_sprayheads.pdf
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/prdh86lD98g?t=12
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/prdh86lD98g?t=21
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/prdh86lD98g?t=46
      1. ↑ Gus Briones. Landscaping Specialist. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/UDl5K4bRz00?t=40
      3. ↑ https://www.rainbird.com/homeowners/blog/replace-a-sprinkler-head
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/UDl5K4bRz00?t=51

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To adjust your Rainbird sprinklers, twist the spray head to the right or left if you want to change the water's direction. To reduce the spray distance, use a flat-bladed screwdriver to turn the screw on the nozzle clockwise. If it's the spraying pattern you want to change, rotate the collar left or right if your model has an adjustable head. Alternatively, look for a tab on the head of your sprinkler marked with a plus or minus sign to make the change. For tips on how to change the sprinkler nozzle, keep reading!

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        Apr 30, 2019

        "This well-explained article shows how to adjust the sprinklers and how to replace parts. "
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